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MTT are making a 420bhp turbine bike

Published:
11 August 2017

We've now got to a point where standard internal combustion engines are producing close to or above 200bhp for standard, road-going motorcycles. That's quite a lot and let's be honest, it's way more than anybody needs on the road.

But in America the bigger something is, the better it is. Which is why Marine Turbine Technologies (MTT) created the gas turbine engine Y2K superbike back in 2000. The Y2K produces 320bhp and has a recorded top speed of 227mph. Pretty impressive, but not fast enough, apparently.

Now, 17 years later, MTT are working on a newer, even more powerful version of that bike. MTT reckon the new 420RR will produce 420bhp and a mind blowing 600ftlb of torque at 6000rpm from its Rolls Royce Allison 250-C20B engine. Why? Because they can.

MTT have been working closely with Ohlins suspension for the new model, which will also include a GPR steering damper and BST carbon wheels. There's no word on price yet, but we imagine it's going to cost a few pennies.

Here's a video of it on the dyno. Just check out the size of that rear brake!

Electric motor vs turbine engine

When the 420RR becomes available we imagine it'll be the fastest road-going production bike available, which might upset electric motorcycle manufacturer Lightning. Just this week Lightning announced plans for a new motorcycle, the LS-2??R, which the company hopes will break 220mph at Bonneville Salt Flats this month.

Lightning reckon their electric bike could produce 300bhp, and in its current state is producing 250bhp, which has so far propelled it to a top speed of 212mph over a one mile course.